Muppet Match-Up: #2 Results!

The results of our second Muppet Match-Up are in, and the tail has prevailed!

That makes two wins for ABC's The Muppets and zero forThe Muppet Show. Stay tuned to see who our next competitors will be. 

Sonia Manzano to Receive Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award!

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS)  announced that Sonia Manzano, legendary performer of "Maria" from Sesame Street, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 43rd Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites.

"My children and just about every child in America has grown up learning their ABC's from the iconic character of "Maria," on SESAME STREET played by Sonia Manzano,"said Bob Mauro, President, NATAS. "Sonia not only brought the life events of marriage, having a baby, and being a mother to viewers young and old, she also brought a seldom-seen diversity, a Latin role-model, unlike anything on television at the time. She is one of the most beloved female performers in the history of Sesame Street, and the National Academy is proud to be honoring her with our prestigious Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement." 

"Honoring Sonia Manzano has a special meaning for me - as we both started our professional careers doing the play, Godspell, though in different casts when we were practically children," said David Michaels, SVP, Daytime (NATAS). "Her talent both in front of the camera and as a writer, bringing the themes of diversity to a national audience on Sesame Street, is an extraordinary achievement worthy of this well-earned recognition!"

More at Broadwayworld.com

New "Street Gang" Doc Coming Soon!

On Friday, Street Gang author Michael Davis shared his excitement about his book being turned into a documentary. 

With it being April Fools, we weren't sure at if the story was real or not. 

After confirming it with Michael and the production company, we can now also share the good news that his wonderful behind the scenes book will be turned in a film! 


"Come and play....coming 2017"

Marah Strauch, who directed Sunshine Superman has been tapped to helm Street Gang, with Trevor Crafts, Mark Myers, Matt Daley and Heather Kenyon.

We'll keep you posted as more news develops and be sure to follow the production on their new facebook page!

Electric Mayhem to Perform Live!

Did you even see a music festival line-up and think to yourself, "I wish The Electric Mayhem would be there?"

Well, consider your wish granted! Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem will be performing at the Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco!

The good Doctor, Floyd, Janice, and Animal (Zoot and Lips must have slept through their call time) announced their participation in the 3-day music festival today via youtube!

Other artists scheduled to appear include Lionel Richie, Duran Duran, Radiohead, Sufjan Stevens, Ryan Adams, Major Lazer, LCD Soundsystem, Third Eye Blind, and Lana Del Ray!

Outside Lands will run August 5th to August 7th in San Fransico's Golden Gate Park. Tickets go on sale this Thursday April 7th. Click here for more info.

UPDATE: The Electric Mayhem released a poster touting their appearance:

"On the Road in 2016"? Maybe they'll be appearing at additional festivals as well!

Muppets Courtyard now at Hollywood Studios!

A few weeks ago we told you that the area around Muppet Vision 3D at Disney's Hollywood Studio would be renamed. The scuttlebutt around the internet was that the new name would be "Muppets Courtyard."

Disney blog Inside the Magic got their hand on a brand new Hollywood Studio map which revealed that not only has the area been renamed, but it is now officially called "Muppets Courtyard."

Hopefully this means more Muppet attractions are on their way!

Muppet Match-Up: Paul Williams vs A Tale of two Piggies!

The people spoke and last week's pervieced champion, The Muppet Show's "Lola Falana" lost to the muppets' "Little Gren Lie." 

It's time for round 2, and we have two new challengers!

But first, let's review the rules for those that want to play at home:

1. The episodes must be selected at random. 

2. The only caveat to rule 1 is that a season of The Muppet Show may be picked, but again the episode itself must be random. Once a season has been picked - it's out of play. 

3. Right down things you find interesting about the episode while you're watching it, then do the same for the next episode and see how they compare and contrast. 

4. Once an episode has been selected, it's out of play and can't be selected again. (yes I know these means only 16 episodes (so far) of The Muppets vs 120 episodes of The Muppet Show.)

Round 2 features and even crazier match-up as "Paul Williams" goes head to head with "A Tale of Two Piggies." 

Let's look at the contestants.

Surprisingly, both episodes have a lot in common.

Both:

• Have musical guests (Paul Williams vs Joan Jett)
• Are from the show's first season
• Feature the Newsman, Bunsen, Sam Eagle, Sweetums, and Beautiful Day Monster
• Have references to rugs (Beautiful Monster shipped to Pittsburg vs Gonzo, Rizzo, & Pepe's carpet samples)
• Houses (The Talking Houses vs the house Gonzo, Rizzo, & Pepe look at)
• and messages about body image (short vs being proud of who you are)

However:

• In this The Muppet Show episode Miss Piggy and Gonzo are mainly background characters, while on the muppets, they're the star of their own plots. 

Verdict: Paul Williams has great songs and humor, but it's A Tale of Two Piggies that packs both humor, songs, and a great social message. I see this one going for the muppets.

Now it's your turn. Vote for which episode you think should come out on top. Polling will be open for one week, and you can vote as many times as you wish!

Muppet Match-Up: #1 Results!

The ballots have been cast and the perceived champion, Lola got Folana'ed as Little Green Lied it's way to victory!

Be sure to check back on Monday when our next challengers will be revealed!